Eastex Telephone Cooperative, a prominent player in rural telecommunications, has been serving East Texas communities for decades. Established to bring essential communication services to underserved areas, Eastex Telephone Cooperative has evolved to offer a robust suite of internet solutions. Their commitment to bridging the digital divide remains a core tenet, focusing on providing reliable and affordable internet access to its cooperative members. As of 2025-26, Eastex Telephone Cooperative continues to invest in its network infrastructure to meet the growing demands for high-speed internet, particularly in its core service regions across East Texas.
Key Statistics:
Eastex Telephone Cooperative offers a range of internet plans designed to cater to varying consumer needs within its service footprint. The cooperative emphasizes providing accessible broadband options, often leveraging a mix of technologies to achieve this. Their plans are structured to offer competitive speeds and reliable performance, with a focus on value for their member base. The cooperative's approach prioritizes customer service and local support, distinguishing it from larger national providers.
| Plan Name | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Monthly Price | Equipment Fees | Data Caps | Contract Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Broadband | Up to 50 Mbps | Up to 10 Mbps | $59.99 | $10/month (modem rental) | 1 TB | No |
| High-Speed Internet | Up to 100 Mbps | Up to 20 Mbps | $79.99 | $10/month (modem rental) | 1.5 TB | No |
| fiber Optic (where available) | Up to 500 Mbps | Up to 500 Mbps | $99.99 | $0 (if provided) | Unlimited | No |
| Fiber Optic (where available) | Up to 1 Gbps | Up to 1 Gbps | $129.99 | $0 (if provided) | Unlimited | No |
Eastex Telephone Cooperative's plan offerings reflect a tiered approach, starting with a foundational "Basic Broadband" service suitable for essential online activities. For users requiring more bandwidth for streaming, gaming, or multiple devices, the "High-Speed Internet" plan offers a significant upgrade. In areas where fiber optic infrastructure is deployed, Eastex provides symmetrical gigabit speeds, representing the pinnacle of their service offerings. All plans come with generous data allowances, and the cooperative generally avoids long-term contracts, emphasizing flexibility for its members.
Eastex Telephone Cooperative's service area is geographically concentrated within East Texas. Their network is designed to serve rural and semi-rural communities that might otherwise lack access to competitive broadband options. Key counties benefiting from Eastex's services include those within the Piney Woods region. While coverage is extensive within their defined cooperative territory, it is important for potential customers to verify specific availability at their exact address, as deployment of advanced technologies like fiber is ongoing and dependent on local infrastructure. Urban availability is generally not a focus for Eastex, with their mission centered on rural broadband provision.
| Plan | Promotional Price (12 months) | Standard Price (after promotion) | Additional Fees | Bundle Savings Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Broadband | $59.99 | $59.99 | $10/month modem rental | Phone bundles available |
| High-Speed Internet | $79.99 | $79.99 | $10/month modem rental | Phone bundles available |
| Fiber Optic (500 Mbps) | $99.99 | $99.99 | None | Phone bundles available |
| Fiber Optic (1 Gbps) | $129.99 | $129.99 | None | Phone bundles available |
Eastex Telephone Cooperative generally offers transparent pricing with no significant promotional shifts after the first year. The "promotional" and "standard" rates are often identical, which is a significant advantage for consumers seeking predictable monthly bills. The primary recurring fee beyond the base internet price is the modem rental for DSL services. Value is derived from competitive pricing for the speeds offered, especially in rural areas where alternatives may be limited or more expensive. Bundle options with phone services can further enhance the value proposition for members.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong focus on rural service areas | Availability limited to East Texas |
| Transparent pricing, often no rate hikes | DSL speeds can be limited by distance |
| Fiber optic options offer high speeds and symmetry | Fiber availability is not universal within their territory |
| Cooperative model emphasizes member benefits | May lack the advanced features of some national providers |
| Good customer support with local presence | Limited bundled TV options compared to larger ISPs |
Eastex Telephone Cooperative is known for its commitment to customer service, leveraging its cooperative structure to prioritize member satisfaction. Support is often characterized by a personal touch, with representatives familiar with the local service area. This localized approach aims to resolve issues efficiently and build long-term relationships with their customer base. Reliability is a key focus, with ongoing network maintenance and upgrades designed to ensure consistent service delivery.
| Feature | Eastex Telephone Cooperative | Competitor 1 (e.g., Frontier DSL) | Competitor 2 (e.g., AT&T DSL/Fiber) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speeds | Up to 1 Gbps (Fiber), up to 100 Mbps (DSL) | Up to 115 Mbps (DSL) | Up to 5 Gbps (Fiber), up to 100 Mbps (DSL) |
| Pricing | Consistent, competitive for rural areas | Variable, often with introductory offers | Tiered, can be higher for comparable speeds |
| Data Policies | Generous caps on DSL, unlimited on Fiber | Varies, can have strict caps on DSL | Unlimited on Fiber, caps on DSL |
| Customer Satisfaction | High due to local, member-focused approach | Mixed, often depends on local infrastructure | Mixed, can be inconsistent in rural areas |
| Network Type | DSL, Fiber | DSL | DSL, Fiber |
Eastex Telephone Cooperative is an excellent choice for residents and businesses located within its East Texas service territory, particularly those in rural or underserved areas. If you value consistent, transparent pricing without aggressive promotional rate changes, Eastex offers a stable and predictable internet experience. For members who prioritize local customer support and a provider invested in their community's digital infrastructure, Eastex stands out. The availability of fiber optic internet up to 1 Gbps in select areas makes it a top contender for those seeking high-speed, symmetrical connections. It is ideal for households with moderate to heavy internet usage, including remote workers, families with multiple connected devices, and those who stream video content regularly. While DSL options provide essential connectivity, the true value and future-proofing lie in their expanding fiber network.